How To Wear A Bomber Jacket

Five Bomber Jacket Looks That'll Make You The Coolest Guy You Know This Fall

The importance of the bomber jacket in men's fashion is unparalleled. Dating back to the 1950's and the Cold War, when the combative and comfortable top layer was worn by the brave men of the United States Air Force, the affectionately titled MA-1 Flight Jacket was exceptionally cool, even back then. In modern times, though, the bomber acts as a congruent piece in any sartorially inclined men's wardrobe. With endless functionality and "cool" bursting from the seams, the bomber jacket will undoubtedly be among the anchoring pieces in your closet this fall.

But how do you wear this foundational jacket that falls from the backs of your favorite fashion guys? From Ryan Gosling to Kanye West, on down to the incredibly savvy Justin Theroux, these icons of style effectively maneuver the bomber in their own unique way — as you should. Nothing makes this piece look better than when it's worn seamlessly, effortlessly. Fortunately, there are endless options for you to do exactly that. Here are 5 different ways to rock the modern bomber jacket, and absolutely kill it in the process.

Street Style

Maybe the most popular and effective method in which to don the flight jacket, this look is all about simplicity and edge. Before it gets too chilly, pull this off with a vintage tee and ripped jeans, adjoined with a monotone MA-1 overtop. Black, navy, tan — whichever you prefer and/or looks best on you. A clean pair of white sneakers tips the cool scale in your favor, as will a weathered pair of boots beaten to perfection. But more importantly, don't overthink this look. Really and truly, just wear your favorite tee, best fitting jeans and the coolest pair of kicks you have. The jacket simply seals the deal.

Casual Cool

If your day-to-day look is a bit more buttoned up, and holes in your jeans won't fly at the office, smartly dressing up the traditional bomber may be your sartorial calling. Go for a well-tailored design with a little breathing room to rest comfortably over your oxford or light sweater or both. Keep that vibe in tact with slim-fitted denim or cropped trousers that hit just above the ankle, along with a good pair of derby's or double monk straps. This is a great fit to wear at the office as it transitions well to the bar for after hours drinks.

Get Sueded

A suede bomber is quite possibly the coolest thing you can wear all fall. Granted it's not the easiest look to pull off, the key in doing so is to scale the look back as much as possible. You want this piece to work more like an overshirt than a jacket. It'll appear that you put less effort into your look yet you’ll still appear visibly pulled together — kind of like when you throw your topcoat over a simple yet effective outfit. Keep your essential pieces easy breezy. Conversely, take some liberties with a suede bomber in tan or a more neutral option like cream.

Mono y Mono

The monotone look is one that you should definitely experiment with next season. Aside from the apparent confidence it exudes, you ultimately look more style-conscious without the pretension such a modern look often accompanies. Here, go with a very well-fitted chino or tweed trousers. Utilize a tonal bomber with a light layer underneath. If you desire to take on any additional hues, do so with your socks and shoes, and keep the monotone look tight with your apparel. The varying tones and textures offer the right juxtaposition that aid in pulling this look off to perfection.

Prep

Long gone are the days where varsity jackets were exclusive to overbearing jocks from your high school. Today the collegiate piece is a versatile addition to any strong fall/winter wardrobe. Thankfully, the palette has been slimmed and tailored for the modern man. Moreover, color blocked and monochromatic renditions reign supreme, which allow you to be experimental or strategically subtle. Regardless of which color concept strikes you aesthetically, go for a slim option with a ribbed neckline, waist and cuffs. What you want to look for next is precise construction where the shoulder breaks to the sleeve. This is a key fit detail that's very unflattering with poor execution.